The schedule in the lower leagues is a hard slog. Teams will play a minimum of 51 games, and success in any of the cup competitions will add to that.
Then postponements due to FA Cup involvement, bad weather or international call ups can lead to a real fixture pile up at the end of the season. It is no wonder some clubs have chronic injury problems.
So Lee Bowyer would have been delighted that his side only play four games in February. Though he looks to win every game, Bowyer would have thought that a maximum haul of twelve points was very achievable this month.
Unfortunately, the Addicks got off to the worst possible start at Fleetwood on Saturday. Shorne of talismanic striker, Lyle Taylor, through suspension, and with Karlan Grant departing for Huddersfield, Charlton looked toothless in attack.
Chris Powell’s Southend visit The Valley this week, and Bowyer will again be without Taylor. The manager will be hoping deadline day signing, Josh Parker, will make an instant impact on his home debut.
Crisis club Blackpool visit SE7 next week, and the last game of the month will see the Addicks travel to Taylor’s former club, AFC Wimbledon.
Taylor will be available again for the last two games of the month.
Taylor is a huge miss when he is not available, and his partnership with Grant worked a treat. Bowyer will be hoping his star man can form an equally productive partnership with either Parker or Igor Vetokele.
Nine points are still available this month, and a maximum haul from the next three games would provide the perfect platform for the run in to the end of the season.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic